Conditions are stable for now in Coshocton County

EMA offices continue to monitor Muskingum and Walhonding rivers, while a new ice jam has developed north of Dresden.

Muskingum County Emergency Management Director Jeff Jadwin said Thursday afternoon that the water level of the Muskingum River has dropped. However, his office as well as numerous other agencies continue to monitor the water level that rose about 4 feet in less than 30 minutes last weekend.

"The water level has dropped 3 to 4 feet in the area of the ice jam that affects the river from the area of the Terrace Shores subdivision to just south of Dresden," Jadwin said.

Jadwin said a new ice jam has developed north of Dresden and extends towards Coshocton County.

"There are currently ice jams in Coshocton and Morgan counties that are also causing concerns," Jadwin said.

Jadwin said there is no intentions to blow up the ice jams at this time.

"Anyone living along the river needs to be conscious of fast rising water," Jadwin said. "This could happen again if a jam happens at a different location along the river."

Emergency information is being updated regularly on the Muskingum County EMA's Facebook page.

Emergency information is also being sent through the Everbridge Reverse 911 System and local media outlets.

To sign up to get Everbridge Notices to your cell phone or email go to Citizensalert60.org

Rob McMasters, director of the Coshocton County EMA, said his office continues to monitor ice jams on the Walhonding River between Nellie and Warsaw. He said water is flowing freely on the Muskingum River in Coshocton County up until the ice jam just north of Dresden.

While conditions are stable now, there is fear that moderate temperatures the next few days and rain starting Sunday could cause the movement of thinner ice. McMasters said that ice should flow freely now, but it's hard to be sure. Ice movement could start Saturday night, he said.

He said residents along the river must remain aware of water levels and be prepared to evacuate their homes at a moment's notice. Ice jams can cause flash flooding that can quickly surround structures and vehicles, he said. Motorists are also cautioned to not drive through high water, which can quickly sweep away or submerge automobiles.